Virtual Reality

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When most people think of virtual reality, they think of big, bulky headsets and video games, yet virtual reality (VR) is fast becoming a useful new tool for many in construction, and we can expect to see it used more and more throughout the industry. 

Expand the Vision

One of the many pros of virtual reality is its ability to be used throughout all of the phases of construction. Often, the first step of a project is finding stakeholders to invest in your vision, and VR can be a key tool in helping investors truly “see” a final product. Virtual reality changes presentations by allowing stakeholders to truly understand the vision of the designers and architects, and allowing walkthroughs that would previously be limited to only models, drawings, or words.

Save Time

We all know time is money, and virtual reality dramatically shortens the time required to get through the design process. Instead of creating 3D models based on existing structures, architects and other designers can create changes digitally and build from cloud based models. They no longer have to visit the build site, where it can often take weeks to make the necessary changes to get the necessary level of detail. With virtual reality, the model is interactive, meaning designers can “walk through” the space and “see” the details in life-size proportions. If they don’t like something, revisions can be done quickly and with no required visits to the site. 

Cut Costs

Similarly, VR saves job sites money through reducing material costs. With digital models, crews are able to better estimate the materials needed for a job before they buy them. In some instances, site managers can review calculations digitally, instead of sending out operators and heavy equipment to take measurements. Crews can also use virtual reality to identify potential weaknesses in the structure before the building begins, keeping both labor and supply costs down. This is not only great for keeping costs down, but is also more sustainable as less product is wasted. Because they are able to see potential obstacles, crews can adapt in real time, allowing jobs to stick more closely to the desired timeline. As the cost of building materials continues to skyrocket and the labor shortage remains, this type of planning and coordination is becoming essential to projects all across the country.

Improve Safety

Besides reducing labor costs, virtual reality also keeps workers safe. Instead of walking employees through safety training that doesn’t offer realistic scenarios, you can use in-depth VR simulations that carry no risk of physical danger to the workers. Staff can interact with the exact equipment and features of their workplace and see how a situation would play out. Plus, VR is more engaging than a boring training talk, so workers end up with a lasting, visual memory.

Steadfast prides itself on efficiency and sustainability, and we hope to see more technologies like virtual reality throughout the industry. Tools like VR improve workflow, keep workers safe, and save both builders and their clients money!

Construction Cyber Defense

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Cybersecurity in Construction

When most people think of hackers, they usually think about crashing computers and stolen personal information. 

In the construction industry, though, hackers also have the potential to jeopardize job safety, steal personal data, and corrupt the structural integrity of building materials. As many construction firms move their business online and turn to Contech to make their job sites safer and more efficient, cybersecurity is becoming a top priority. 

Life or Death Vulnerabilities

Automation is more and more common, and is often used when creating building materials (like when mixing concrete or measuring chemicals in a manufacturing process), and post manufacturing (load testing, structural integrity tests, and surface hardness inspections). Most of the data collected and used in this automation process is stored on cloud and internet based technologies, which are the most vulnerable to hacking. 

For example, say hackers target a bridge building project. If they attacked the automated system that accounts for the bridge’s structural integrity and the company didn’t catch the change in numbers, the project could completely collapse – figuratively and literally – putting lives and the company’s reputation at risk. 

Growing Defenses

To prevent such scenarios, companies are starting to increase their defenses against these attacks. Many Contech companies are growing their cybersecurity teams while construction firms both large and small are investing in cyber protection software. Cybersecurity in construction even caught national attention in March 2022, when the Biden administration called together over 100 different sectors to warn them of the potential of a Russian cyber attack in response to recent U.S. sanctions. 

Where to Start

So what can construction companies do to protect themselves? 

  • Start by improving awareness and regularly training staff to look for suspicious emails, links, and online activities, and make sure they know how to report these to your IT team immediately. 
  • Protect your data with multi-factor authentication when possible. If something is only password protected, use passphrases instead of passwords (making it much harder for hackers to infiltrate your systems), adding spaces, numbers, and symbols to maximize protection. 
  • Make sure that any programs you’re using to store and send data have comprehensive security measures in place.
  • And finally, consider investing in cyber insurance, which tends to be relatively inexpensive and will cover you in the case of a data breach. 

As the construction industry moves towards more technology in the worksite, there is no doubt that we will face more and more threats from hacking. However, if we all work together, we can protect our projects, our workers, and our livelihoods from cyber attacks.

Contech: The Future of Construction

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Whether it was the wheel, the pulley system, or harnessing water power, construction workers have been turning to technology to make our lives easier and safer since the beginning of time. It’s human nature to constantly improve, and this drive allows us to expand technology, become more efficient, and build bigger and better structures. The latest change is leaving the job site and turning up on our phones and computers via Contech. 

What is it?

Definitions of Contech vary, but Angelica Donati of Forbes magazine says it’s “the technology used to innovate the way we plan, design, and build structures, as well as the manufacture and installation of their components.” 

Contech includes a wide range of tech gadgets and software, including wearable tech to improve safety, 3D printing for material supply, and computer programs that digitize workflow for efficiency. Regardless of the specific technology, two things are certain: Contech is on the rise and the market for it continues to grow.

Pandemic Solutions

As worker shortages, supply chain issues, and changing policies stalled and canceled projects across the country, many employers turned to Contech companies large and small to improve their efficiency, stay in touch with far away job sites, and keep workers safe. There’s an increase in younger, tech savvy, and eco-centered workers entering the industry, so we’re experiencing a definitive shift towards maximizing both time and resources. 

Revenue Growth

And while it’s not surprising that large, publicly-traded companies like Trimble and AutoDesk are experiencing massive growth (a 16% increase for both from 2020 to 2021), many Contech startups are raking in previously unheard of amounts of funding. Last year, RenoRun (a construction e-commerce platform) received $142 million in Series B Funding, while Diamond Age, a robotics startup, raised $50 million in Series A funding. This shows an increased interest from investors who believe that Contech will continue to grow post-pandemic and become an important part of construction projects of the future. 

Federal Funding

Another factor in Contech’s expected success? The federal focus on infrastructure. With funding and resources provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we’re seeing an increase in projects across the country. Project leaders want to get these done quickly and efficiently to combat the continuing inflation seen across the industry. Estimates suggest that the widespread use of already existing Contech would increase sector productivity by 40%, and that number will only continue to rise as more technology becomes readily available. 

At Steadfast Entities, LLC, we can’t wait to see how Contech will continue to grow and change the industry. No matter what happens, you can be sure we’ll be here to offer up-to-date, industry-proven tools and equipment for all your construction needs.

4 Big Trends in Construction Technology in 2022

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“The engineering and construction industry has made a significant recovery from the 2020 recession, but it has also experienced multiple headwinds that are expected to persist. 2022 should be another rewarding—but challenging—year, and the industry looks to be poised to capture growth opportunities.”

Deloitte 2021 analysis

According to the Deloitte analysis, 76% of engineering and construction executives are going to invest in digital technology in 2022. Other studies show that adopting proven technology can improve construction productivity by 30-45%, as well as help maintain improved material predictability and reliability. 

So what is “proven technology” and what specifically should we look at in 2022? Here are the 4 big trends in construction in 2022:

1. Drones

Drones are small, easy to use, and relatively cost-effective compared to other emerging construction technology. Their high resolution cameras can collect vital information and access all areas of a construction site. As a result, drones are extremely useful at every stage of the construction process for a variety of tasks:

  • conduct site surveys
  • collect important data 
  • take volume measurements
  • create interactive 3D or topographical maps
  • oversee workers
  • perform safety inspections
  • equipment tracking
  • job site security

Drones can access hard-to-reach and dangerous places, preventing workplace injuries or project delays. They save significant time and money while reducing workplace injuries and increasing job satisfaction. Drones are also adaptable, working with other tech like AI or machine learning to always offer the best capabilities for your needs.

2. Exoskeletons & Wearables

Exoskeletons (wearable external suits with motorized joints) are becoming more widely available every year. These suits help with bending, lifting, and grabbing. Originally for recovering patients, these exoskeletons have expanded far beyond the physical therapy room to offer an array of performance-enhancing capabilites to improve safety and productivity in construction. 

Specific wearable devices – like smart boots, smart hard hats, and power gloves – also provide an added layer of protection for workers across construction projects. These devices can predict and prevent workplace accidents through sensors, while also increasing dexterity and strength. 

Over the past couple years, these devices also made it incredibly easy to do contact tracing and to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. 

3. AI, Machine Learning, & Data Management

Tapping into the latest construction technology behind the scenes can have big payoffs. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability for programmed software to make decisions independent of human input. Machine learning is when a computer program can learn from repeated inputs, honing its program and improving its output. Both of these ideas have already impacted many areas of construction and are shown to have massive impacts on productivity and safety. These kinds of programs can analyze job sites, past projects, and job plans to identify safety risks, prevent violations, identify more efficient timelines or project parameters, and explore better design options for future projects. 

Like all businesses, construction is also realizing that effective data management is crucial to long-term business success. Smartphones, tablets, streamlined software, and effective data management policies reduce delays and costs, improve safety, streamline workflow, and enhance employee satisfaction. Explore your options with online forms, worksite smart devices, instant reporting, real-time safety corrections, and workflow automation. 

4. Building Information Modeling (BIM) & Virtual Reality

BIM is the process of creating a virtual replica or model of a building before building it. This can be incredibly valuable in order to see dimensions, worksite conditions, possible safety hazards, and required logistics. It’s important during every stage of construction and touches all fields: executive management, worker actions, safety compliance, legal compliance, and more.

Virtual or augmented reality (AR) is a digital layer of information that updates in real-time and improves your understanding of the real world around you. Using an AR device can allow construction professionals to scan an actual job site and learn valuable information as an overlay on the image. 

This could be through AR glasses, which can automatically measure whatever you’re looking at, or through a tablet to analyze the surrounding conditions and identify potential hazards. 

By tapping into the current technology available, the construction industry can reduce the impacts of labor and supply shortages, improve safety and worker satisfaction, and significantly enhance productivity and revenue. Explore some new technology today!

Russia, Ukraine, and Construction Costs

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The Russian invasion of Ukraine was a surprise to many in the United States. While thousands of Ukrainians continue to flee their homes, the US is among the many countries who have imposed sanctions, or bans, on businesses operating in Russia. The hope is that this sudden economic downturn will encourage Russia to vacate Ukraine and allow a return to peace. 

While these sanctions are a key step to bringing a quick end to the war, they’ve caused a significant disruption to many industries around the world, including construction. Inflation, which was already affecting companies before the conflict, is expected to continue to rise, thanks to rising gas and oil prices. 

Lost Gas Lines & Rising Prices

Prior to the Ukraine invasion, Europe expected the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline to open, which would carry natural gas from Russia under the Baltic sea and into Germany, where it would then be dispersed throughout Europe. However, movement on the pipeline has stopped since the beginning of the war and is not expected to be revived. 

It’s no surprise that these rising gas prices will increase both the cost of shipping and using gas-run machinery, but they also affect the cost of building materials themselves. Many of the materials used in construction are energy-intensive to create, and most contain petro-carbons made from petroleum products. As the price of oil (petroleum) rises, these materials costs will also skyrocket. 

Supply Chain Domino Effect

What’s more, Russia is a main producer of both copper and aluminum, which had already increased in price by 25% and 33% over the last few years. With the war and sanctions disrupting the supply chain of these common metals, both the prices and the time to get items made out of these metals are expected to rise. The cost of steel and plastic are also rising.

Construction & Heavy Equipment Impacted

So what does all of this mean for construction companies? 

It means we’ll have to make important decisions about the types of projects we accept, the deadlines, and the communication with both investors and suppliers. Companies should discuss who will shoulder the burden of increased inflation, and strongly consider what they can afford before entering into any fixed price contracts. 

When considering timelines for jobs, it’s wise to include plenty of additional buffer time due to account for unexpected supply chain disruptions – clients will be happy when it’s done earlier than you originally planned, but not the other way around! If possible, consider smaller projects that have more certainty of cost and less delay risk. This will give you fewer time constraints and allow you to complete your projects without being strangled by labor shortages, rising costs, and supply chain issues. 

We’re in This Together

If your company is struggling to find equipment, staffing, or project management in this difficult time, Steadfast Entities, LLC is here to help. We pride ourselves on our efficiency, which keeps costs low and our customers happy. Contact us to find out more about how we can assist you today.

Housing Building Trends in 2022

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Americans are spending more than ever on their homes, so it’s no surprise that these buildings are becoming more economical, sustainable, and comfortable in 2022. 

As we move into more renovations of single family homes, we expect to see an increase in the following trends: 

Moving the Inside Out… 

After spending much of the last two years inside, many people are moving the comforts of their living spaces into their backyards. High end pools, outdoor televisions, built-in projectors, and outdoor fireplaces are all becoming popular features for families to enjoy year round. 

… And the Outside In

When homeowners do have to be inside, they’re bringing the outdoors with them. There has been an upswing in “biophilic design”, with an increase of organic materials, light and airy spaces, plants, and other elements that focus on nature. 

Sustainability

With climate change coming to the forefront, eco-friendly building elements are on the rise. These include natural materials like brick and stone for home exteriors, and drought resistant landscaping in front and back yards. Metal roofs are also gaining popularity, as they can last 40-70 years and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. More than just being fashionable, sustainable materials like these have been shown to decrease homeowners’ costs, as they tend to require less maintenance and reduce the cost of utilities. 

Love Your Curves

Gone are the days of straight lines. Whether inside or outside, expect to see a transition towards curved edges. These can come in the form of arched door and window frames, barrel vaulted ceilings, or curving walkways. No matter where you find these curves, they’ll be sure to help homeowners show off their unique personalities and provide a warm, welcoming space.

Spice in the Kitchen

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, so it’s no surprise that we are seeing sweeping changes in kitchen design. Minimalist, mostly white kitchens are being dropped in favor of warm, colorful cabinets, counters with a splash of color made of alternative materials, and patterned floors that celebrate and welcome all who enter.

Home Sweet Office

Working from your bed or couch is a thing of the past. As more people leave the corporate office behind, home offices are becoming an integral part of every house. For new construction, this can mean more rooms or set-aside office spaces. During renovations, rooms are transformed to be multifunctional, often combining the office with a guest room or part of the kitchen. 

Whatever your project, Steadfast Entities, LLC can support you with the equipment and staff you need to complete it quickly, efficiently, and for the best price. Contact us today! 1.855.449.0777

Why OSHA?

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What is OSHA?

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration, or OSHA, was introduced “to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance”. 

While OSHA sometimes gets a bad reputation for their numerous requirements and steep fines for noncompliance, they have decreased the number of workplace illnesses, injuries, and fatalities by over 80% since their inception in the early 1970s. 

Costly Violations

OSHA creates enforcement policies and targeted inspection programs, and responds to fatalities, catastrophes, and complaints. If they find a company is not in compliance with their safety standards, they can face serious financial penalties ranging from $14,502 to $145,027 per violation. For 2021,  the most common violations from around the country were: 

  1. Fall Protection (5,271 violations)
  2. Respiratory Protection (2,521 violations)
  3. Ladders (2,018 violations)
  4. Scaffolding (1,943 violations)
  5. Hazard Communication (1,939 violations)
  6. Lockout/Tagout (1,670 violations)
  7. Fall Protection Training Requirements (1,660 violations)
  8. Eye and Face Protection (1,451 violations)
  9. Powered Industrial Trucks (1,404 violations)
  10. Machine Guarding (1,105 violations)

Protecting Workers

OSHA reviews worker safety in many types of industries, including construction, general industry, maritime, agriculture, and the federal sector. The largest OSHA fine in history was issued to BP Products North America, Inc. in 2005 in the amount of $87 million, after an explosion at a Texas refinery killed 15 people and injured another 170. 

Unfortunately, unsafe working environments can still be a problem today.

  • In 2021, a water utilities construction company in Boston was fined almost $1.3 million after two workers were struck by a dump truck and pushed into a nine foot trench, causing their deaths.
  • An aluminum parts manufacturer had a history of repeated safety violations, and was fined $1.2 million after a worker was hit and killed by a machine’s barrier door.
  • And a grain facility in Wisconsin was fined over $676,000 after the engulfment death of a corn silo manager. These tragic accidents highlight the continued importance of OSHA in maintaining safe work environments for employees. 

At Steadfast Entities, LLC, we make safety a priority. We are signatory with The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 542, who employs a rigorous training program for all equipment operators.

Once assigned to a Steadfast project, they are further trained on our specialized equipment.  By combining modern, reliable equipment with well trained, top-tier employees, we ensure a satisfying customer experience and safe, happy workers.

Contact us about your project today: jhworthy@steadfastentities.com

Top 10 Best States for Construction Jobs

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Does the New Year have you itching for a change? 

As the pandemic slows and people return to work, construction jobs are now more available than ever across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of construction industry jobs is expected to grow by 7% into 2030, and that the increase in federal funding from the Infrastructure Bill will provide stability for many types of construction companies throughout the coming years. 

Maybe you’re looking for better opportunities, to make some money in the booming housing market, or to start fresh somewhere different. If you’re in the construction field or just starting in the industry, and looking for a change in locale, here are the top 10 best states for construction.

Top 10 states with the most construction job openings: 

  • California: 672,280
  • Texas: 608,110
  • Florida: 413,800
  • New York: 311,430
  • Pennsylvania: 213,630
  • Illinois: 181,550
  • Ohio: 178,900
  • North Carolina: 178,710
  • Virginia: 165,410
  • Washington: 161,780

While having plenty of opportunity is important, so are wages. Many of the states with the most jobs available (Texas, Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, and Virginia in particular) all have an average wage below the national average of $25.93. 

Top 10 states with the best wages per hour:

  • Hawaii: $35.08
  • Illinois: $33.86
  • Massachusetts: $32.65
  • New York: $32.49
  • Alaska: $32.33
  • Washington: $32.23
  • New Jersey: $31.51
  • California: $30.78
  • Connecticut: $30.15
  • Minnesota: $30.09

Enjoying the warm, sandy beaches of Hawaii after a long day of work might sound relaxing, but  once again it’s important to consider other factors, like the high costs of living. Taking this into consideration, let’s look at what states have the most growth potential, measured by population growth from 2020-2021. 

Top 10 states with the most growth potential:

  • Texas: +310,288
  • Florida: +211,196
  • Arizona: +98,330
  • North Carolina: +93,985
  • Georgia: +73,766
  • South Carolina: +59,976
  • Utah: +56,291
  • Tennessee: +55,099
  • Idaho: +53,151
  • Nevada: +29,920

Top 10 states with the largest populations (in billions): 

  • California: 39.512
  • Texas: 28.996
  • Florida: 21.478
  • New York: 19.454
  • Pennsylvania: 12.802
  • Illinois: 12.672
  • Ohio: 11.689
  • Georgia: 10.617
  • North Carolina: 10.488
  • Michigan: 9.987

When combining all of these factors, professionals found the following 10 states to be the absolute best for those looking to work in the construction industry, with great potential, growth, and wage numbers. 

Top 10 best states for construction work:

  • California
  • Illinois
  • New York
  • Washington
  • Texas
  • Florida
  • Pennsylvania
  • Ohio
  • Georgia
  • North Carolina

No matter where you live, now is a great time to be in construction. We’re happy to be a part of this ever-growing industry and to be recognized for our dedication to quality workmanship and customer service. 

If you’re one of the many project managers looking for staff in the new year, reach out today to see what we can do for you. Let’s ease those staffing woes and provide you with the people you need, when you need them.

 

Read more employment data and the full article at CONEXPO-CON/AGG.

Diversity in Construction

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The construction industry often struggles with diversity. 

It’s most clear when it comes to gender: as of 2021, women comprise only about 8% of the total construction workforce, despite making up 47% of all employed people worldwide. Of that 8%, only about 1% work on jobsites, with the majority of women being placed in office and sales positions. 

Similarly, there is a huge disparity when it comes to race: 58.7% of those working in construction are white, followed by 24.5% Hispanic or Latino and 10.7% Black or African American. 

Why does it matter?

Research has shown that having a wider mix of people on your staff improves morale and productivity, and keeps workers on your team longer. The good news is that diversity is always improving and there are things you or your job leaders can do to help. With the ever-increasing housing market, it’s expected that the industry will need another 430,000 workers in the coming year. Widening your search to include underrepresented individuals can help fill those labor gaps. This also tends to improve performance, as a larger hiring pool means opening yourself up to finding more talent and a wider range of skills (studies have shown inclusive firms have 1.32 times higher productivity than less diverse firms). 

An increase in talent can also lead to improved problem-solving, as a wide range of experiences and perspectives mean more innovation when facing challenges on the jobsite. More innovation leads to quicker solutions, which means your company can outperform your less diverse competition. It’s also going to get you noticed, as high performance and a positive work environment are two of the best ways (along with decent pay and benefits) to attract and retain quality craftspeople to your team – critically important with today’s labor shortages. 

How do I diversify my workforce? 

First, check in with yourself. Make sure that you are offering the same opportunities for leadership and promotion to everyone. For example, are the women on your team offered the same leadership opportunities as the men, or are they limited to only administrative positions? These changes often start with company management reevaluating their current policies, and making sure they are free from unconscious biases and discrimination. This could mean changing promotion criteria and providing diversity training to both management and employees. 

When hiring new employees, aim for a blind review that omits the applicant’s name so you can be more impartial. Have multiple people on your hiring team, and whenever possible include people from diverse backgrounds. 

Building new partnerships is also key to bringing in new and varied talent. Starting a partnership with a local high school, community college, or nonprofit to teach youth and young adults construction skills can not only get your name out into the community, but can also jump start the training of your next batch of employees with little effort on your part. This also ensures the diversity of your workforce is representative of your community. 

Diversity and inclusion is the way of the future. Put your organization in a position to succeed by hiring and promoting a diverse range of staff. With this mindset, you can resolve labor shortages while ensuring your staff feel safe, satisfied, and empowered in the new year. 

Data Source: Zippia

New Year, New Trends in Construction

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2021 was full of growth for many construction companies, but it wasn’t always easy. Bottlenecks in production and delayed shipping increased material costs, and a shortage of labor slowed down projects. Necessity is the mother of invention, though, and these struggles have led to the creation of many new and creative solutions in the industry. The following trends are expected to become commonplace in 2022 as crews work toward faster build speeds, efficient use of quality materials, and finding ways to keep their crews happy and safe.

  • Digitalization. Last month we told you all about exosuits, wearables to keep workers injury free on the job site. They are just one example of technology that keeps projects running smoothly and workers safe. Technology like cloud-based collaboration software, drones, and robots are also becoming standard and will shape the industry through the coming years. 
  • Happy Workers. You can have all the robots in the industry, but without enough people on your crew, your job will be at a standstill. The “great resignation” of 2021 has left a serious skills gap throughout the construction world, and companies are having to incentivise workers in new and thoughtful ways. These methods include better pay and benefits, regular training and opportunities for upward momentum, and innovative tools to maximize safety. 
  • New Materials. Transparent aluminum. Self-healing concrete. These are just a few of the newly engineered materials on the market created to reduce construction costs. Many utilize recycled base components, which save money and reduce waste. 
  • 3D Printing. Similarly, 3D printing is quickly becoming a rising star in the industry. Whether printing a replacement part for a machine or creating a highly detailed construction model, 3D printing is becoming popular as a quick and efficient way to keep jobs on schedule.
  • Building Information Modeling (BIM) & Digital Twins. Both built using IOT technology, BIM and Digital Twins allow better communication between workers, management and customers. BIM provides information throughout all the construction phases, including project schedule, cost, and materials. A Digital Twin is a virtual model of a building site or building. It captures thousands of data points that can then be viewed, monitored, and even changed in real time. This allows crews to text new ideas or try new designs, saving both time and materials. 

We can’t wait to see all the ways you and your crew put modern tech to real use in your projects. In the meantime, have a safe and happy new year! We at Steadfast look forward to meeting all of your staffing and equipment needs in 2022.